Split MIDI 6 ways - a compact, cost-effective solution for musicians

Sending MIDI to multiple devices should be simple! A thru-chain can add latency and you can't easily swap devices about during a performance, but a MIDI interface with multiple outputs can be expensive.

BANANA SPLIT is a simple, compact and cost effective solution for splitting a single MIDI input to six parallel MIDI outputs which can be "hot swapped" without impacting each other and offers near-zero latency on the MIDI signal.

The MIDI input is optically isolated, per MIDI-spec and each output is electrically buffered and protected with current limiting resistors.

This latest version of BANANA SPLIT can supply power to "bus powered" MIDI devices (on earlier versions a mod was neccessary)

BANANA SPLIT includes a Beat LED which blinks with the MIDI clock. This provides both an indication that a MIDI clock is present and a "visual metronome" (which is always useful!)

MIDI IN connection can be made via a 3.5mm stereo jack socket as an alternative to the 5-pin MIDI input (do not try to use both inputs at the same time!). It works with a MIDI jack connections that use a "hot tip" (Novation, Arturia and others) - just use a stereo 3.5mm jack to jack cable connect up. Unfortunately Korg do not follow this standard, but you can use a lead which crosses over tip and ring, or just use the 5 pin socket to receive MIDI from Korg gear. All MIDI OUTs are 5-pin sockets.

Power is via a 2.1mm barrel connector as used on most "wall wart" type adaptors and standard on most stomp-boxes. An on-board diode bridge and voltage regulator mean that it will work with center positive or negative supply, and at any input voltage from 9-12V. Power supply not included!

Integral LED's indicate power supply, clock beat and activity on the MIDI input socket. Add to this the 5-Pin MIDI sockets for input and six outputs and that's pretty much it... It does what it says on the skin!

Size is 175mm x 55mm x 28mm
Weight is approx 170g

All connections are via the front panel and can be accessed when the device is held (for example) in flight case foam or inset into a panel in a studio.

Designed and hand assembled in Brighton, UK

13 reviews

Perfect!

Smaller than I expected and the perfect solution to having the Digitakt controlling all my external gear. Parameter locking and conditional trigs over midi through the banana split is a whole new level of fun :)

Works perfectly

Got my banana split on time after prompt shipmnent. It works nicely, and the good thing is that it is smaller than what I thought! not much bigger than a USB hub. The only tidbit is that it need its own power supply. But does the job it has to do nicely.

You need a MIDI splitter? This is a dang MIDI splitter.

Works exactly as advertised, no audible latency, seems like a robust design. The only* shortcoming is that it cannot be powered via MIDI bus the way the Quadra Thru can, but it's got two extra ports which certainly makes up for the hassle of dealing with yet another power supply. Currently using it with a Yamaha RM1x to drive a few Volcas and it's working like a charm.

*like another user here, I just discovered that this device doesn't provide MIDI power on its outputs, which is pretty absurd given that it requires a power supply. If you have any MIDI utility stuff that needs power, you can chain it off another machine, but it would be really nice if you didn't need to keep using Thru ports on your synths after, like, buying a brick full of Thru ports.

Response from the Seller

Nov. 28, 2016

Thanks for the feedback on MIDI power on the outputs. I had a few queries on this and will address it in a future update, but there is a simple mod which can add MIDI output power if you are happy to get out the soldering iron... http://six4pix.com/split/midipowermod.html

Great device, plug and forget. Good service!

This became an alternative to a DIY solution for me due to the low cost of this and the perceived build quality. When it arrived relatively shortly after ordering it did not disappoint. Low footprint in my setup and the universal polarity makes this for me a really great investment. Synch is perfect and there really doesn't seem to be any downsides to this midi splitter. The front plate print is readable and as some have mentioned, it really doesn't need anymore documentation. Very friendly communication with the seller and swift reply. All in all a very pleasant experience.

This is an awesome high-quality product from a solid vendor!

The product came relatively quickly and was well-packaged. The information about the product was all very clear and the design was well thought-out . The product looks and feels very solid and well-made, and most importantly, it works fabulously! This is a vendor that's knowledgeable and worth trusting. Thanks!

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About hotchk155

I am an electronics hobbyist from Brighton UK. I love playing with microcontrollers and doing interesting things with MIDI and analog noiseboxes. Lots of new ideas in the pipeline so watch this space...Follow me on twitter @six4pix